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The School of Journalism and Broadcasting invites you and your students to take a few moments of time to stop by the MMTH Atrium and adjacent Gallery space to witness an amazing photographic exhibit of the work of Peter Essick, an environmental photographer who has produced more than 40 feature essays for National Geographic.

This two-part show explores our world's environment and causes the viewer to think about how mankind must work with our environment, not against it, if we are to survive over time.

The Atrium is host to a 24-print exhibit called "Our Beautiful, Fragile World" and in the Gallery space hosts a tribute Essick did to the work of Ansel Adams.

Essick will take part in a reception on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 pm in the MMTH Atrium and will lecture at 7:30 in the MMTH Auditorium followed by a book signing as part of the John B. Gaines Family Lecture Series.

Recently named one of the 40 most influential nature photographers in the world by Outdoor Photography Magazine, Peter Essick has traveled extensively over the last two decades photographing spectacular natural areas from around the world.

He is a working photojournalist, but his photographs move beyond mere documentation revealing in careful compositions the spiritual and emotional aspects of nature. The unique and sometimes surprisingly similar forms and color of divergent pristine lands provide the raw material for Essick’s art.

As a counterpoint, Essick has also photographed many environmental issues, portraying both the human impact of development as well as the enduring power of the land.

Essick has been a frequent contributor to National Geographic Magazine for 25 years. At the Geographic he has produced 40 feature articles on many different topics. Some of his favorite and most rewarding stories have been on Inner Japan, the American wilderness, the carbon cycle, global warming, and global freshwater. Recent stories include a June, 2010 cover story on Greenland, a story on the Ansel Adams Wilderness in October, 2011, and a story titled Fertilizing the World in May, 2013.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri. He lives in Stone Mountain, GA with his wife, Jackie and son, Jalen.